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If I were to ask you to imagine yourself as someone else, who would it be? Would it be easier if it were a person you could sympathize with or someone you had empathy for? First off, maybe we should define what those words mean and see if there is a difference.

Conceiving a mental image of a person or event is often necessary to plan for the future or in responding to an offer of any kind, as almost every physical action is the result of a mental image or idea. Identifying with someone is to gain such an understanding of who they are and the situation they find themselves…  ( Click for more )

Only in part, the scripture noted here fully rendered asks, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?” It continues by cautioning against self-deception - ‘God made me this way’ – ‘A loving God wants us all to be happy’, in whatever condition we place ourselves in – and defines what God deems wicked; sexual immorality of the heterosexual and homosexual variety, thieves, the greedy, drunks, slanderers and swindlers. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10) Romans 1:29 expands this definition to include envy, murder,…  ( Click for more )

For what? To catch me in some mindless indiscretion or involved in secret sin; to accuse me of hypocrisy? If we were to engage in such he certainly wouldn’t be pleased, and punishment is sometimes part of his solution to bringing us back into conformity with his will. But this surprising, comforting and encouraging scripture assures us that his search is intended to find and “…strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

I am fully aware of the numerous times scripture encourages us to seek out God diligently…  ( Click for more )

Last week we considered the possibility of being expected to set difficult goals or appear strange to others in our pursuit of a Christian lifestyle. This week we are going to look at a few more specific incidents where people were asked to be faithful and accomplish tasks some of us would never dream of.

Moses led a million - plus rebellious people from Egypt and set the machinery in place for successful government, law and order, food service, health, hygiene and worship. In Exodus 17:1-7, Moses is instructed to strike a rock, bringing forth water. (Demonstrating…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever felt out of place, different or even a bit strange? I hope you have, because if you always fit in with those around you, you probably aren’t living the life you should. A Christian lifestyle will clash, stand out, be out of step with the world’s value system. If we pattern our lives on the word of God and the example of Jesus and his followers revealed in scripture - we will be different! “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord in Isaiah 55:8. God thinks and acts differently than we…  ( Click for more )

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:18,19 This stands categorically opposed to the social teaching of our day –which is that man is basically good, just needing the right circumstances to express it; while the Bible teaches not so much that everything a man does is evil but that evil is always present, sometimes even in the good. How could that…  ( Click for more )

Accusations of intolerance and prejudice are being leveled by members of both sides of the racial divide these days. Prejudice defined as dislike or distrust of people solely based on their being of another race, religion, or country. An opinion formed not on fact but on rumor, innuendo or others supposed experiences. To be honest, we are all probably somewhat prejudiced. There is however, a big difference between prejudices and being racist, which is: the practice of discrimination, segregation and separation based on doctrines of supposed racial differences in character and…  ( Click for more )

I have learned over the years to temper my comments with time and consideration, having too often commented too quickly concerning a situation I was not fully informed about and later wishing I hadn’t. Mother Teresa’s “wavering faith” one topic I purposely decided to wait and see on.

Our society today seems to do one of two things to the rich and/or famous. We idolize and praise them excessively, excusing anything and everything they do and say or we demonize them, criticizing and ridiculing every move they make; at times inflicting…  ( Click for more )

In any call to arms or plea for aid, people invariably ask – ‘Why should I get involved? Why can’t the people we elect, hire or appoint take care of it?’ In the case under consideration today, ‘Why can’t the preachers do it?’ The preacher gets paid to preach - to educate - to excite - to motivate YOU to become actively involved. He can’t do it all himself. Besides, preachers can make mistakes, a few have been known to intentionally lead others astray. At one point, Hosea delivered God’s word as a blistering rebuke…  ( Click for more )

A trumpet call? Battle? What in the world could this be about? Are Christians supposed to fight? In a number of ways - yes! We are to sound the alarm, proclaim the day of the Lord, call for the assembly of the saints; so that we may be taught, prepared and equipped to go out into the world and rescue the perishing.

Throughout history, the ability to communicate has been important, on the battlefield it was essential. Without the availability of wired or wireless communication people had to be a little innovative. On a hilltop close to the scene of fighting…  ( Click for more )

Over the past several years, I have become increasingly disillusioned with professional sports and the stars whose talents are show-cased through playing them. In particular, I am sick of the arrogant, unappreciative, entitled attitudes of those making millions of dollars playing a child’s game. There are certainly exceptions, the Tony Dungy-led Colts for one – who seem to embrace, if not the faith of their coach, then at least the principles his faith is built on. As for many others, I think it’s fair to ask: What principles are they building their lives…  ( Click for more )

In attempting to understand God’s way of interacting in our lives, we must first accept a basic truth concerning who God is. He doesn’t always intervene or help us in the way we prefer because he doesn’t “see” things the same way we do. Yet we can still take comfort when he encourages us with, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Jesus welcoming us into his embrace with, “Come to me, all you…  ( Click for more )

At his ascension into heaven, Jesus assured his disciples that he would continue to be with them – at least in spirit – always (Matthew 28:20); and Paul taught that He works for our good in all things regardless how they appear at the moment. (Romans 8:28) In fact, Paul had experienced the sustaining power of God to such a degree that he claimed to have found the secret to contentment in any and every situation; doing all things – and bearing all things – through Christ who strengthened him, acquiring peace in the midst of the good and bad life had…  ( Click for more )

Is it possible to receive God’s grace in vain? Can God’s grace or our salvation be rendered useless? I don’t know that salvation accepted through God’s grace can be absolutely lost, although Hebrews 6:4-6,2Peter 2:20,21,2 Peter 3:17 seem to allude to such a possibility. But we are cautioned that, “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment…” Hebrews 10:26,27

Maybe the key to this scriptural admonition…  ( Click for more )

That statement makes it sound as if in seeking heaven we may encounter unpleasantness and possibly, even hardship. Is that really the case? What does it mean to bear a cross anyway? It sounds hard – even dangerous. Many would define cross-bearing as outright persecution, while others feel burdened if a change in lifestyle is recommended as a result of faithfulness. What do you consider to be your cross? Your parents, work, responsibility demanded of you by your teachers and professors? How about the expectations your preacher and peers have of you; has your faith’s…  ( Click for more )

In any attempt at living a God-centered life, the question of personal sacrifice and preparedness always arises. The ultimate answer and example being found in Jesus himself who, “... being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death.“ Philippians 2:5-8 He gave up everything for you and me. Not just life - but life as the co-reigning Son of God,…  ( Click for more )

Does it cost to be a Christian? Is there a price to be paid by the believer in Christ, a follower of The Way? A young man asked essentially this same question of Jesus many years ago. Jesus’ reply to him was to give all he had and in so doing be a true follower, gain riches in heaven and receive eternal life. (Matthew 19:16-21, Luke 18:18-22) Upon hearing this requirement made of the rich young ruler, Peter asserted that he and the others with him had done just that, to which Jesus assured him, “…no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters…  ( Click for more )

Does that sound like an unusual question? Most of us would agree that a name is a word that identifies us as who we are as a person or family. Proverbs highlights the significance of names when it declares:

“A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

What is a good, esteemed name? Holding an individual in high esteem is to have a high regard or respect for them, qualities brought to mind at the mention of their name; which becomes a synonym for who you are, what you stand…  ( Click for more )

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money,

come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3

We know instinctively that to live, we must eat. In fact, hunger is one of the first sensations we experience almost…  ( Click for more )

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some are to be chewed and digested.”

Sir Francis Bacon

“Man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 14:4

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8

The desire for physical health and well-being is not new to our society, the ideal man and woman having been imagined by nutritionists, doctors, beauticians and dieticians for years. And while we have our share of over-weight and looks-challenged…  ( Click for more )

Was he an enslaved aristocrat from a conquered nation or a pampered official of a victorious empire? (Daniel 1:1-5 &48) A young man who had lost family, home, country and place of worship or one who had gained favor, status and wealth? (Daniel 1:6-18 & 48) A man of God from the land of Judah or a man of Bel from the land of Babylon?

At the mere mention of Daniel’s name we immediately think of the lion’s den but Daniel’s life was full of memorable incidents. He was captured at the fall of Judah and dragged away into slavery to Babylon. …  ( Click for more )

From this straight-forward acknowledgement of God’s purpose in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, we draw both comfort and dis-ease. Why would God test Abraham so severely? Hadn’t he already professed belief in and allegiance to God? Why was it necessary to prove himself in this way? Well, the stakes were high; Abraham stood to gain a lot from his relationship with God but much would be expected from him as well. He needed to prove his worth and value through faithfulness not so much to God as to himself. And he needed to be convinced of God’s provision…  ( Click for more )

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus very matter-of-factly refers to a time of testing many have difficulty dealing with. (Luke 8:13) What is he talking about? How do times of testing come to us and what should we learn from them? More to the point, does God specifically test us as individuals and if so, for what purpose?

Tests may present themselves in a number of ways – as trials, tribulation, persecution and even temptation; sometimes inflicted on us by others, occasionally self-inflicted. There are times however, when scripture records God testing…  ( Click for more )

So says Philip Yancey1 in describing man’s penchant for denying God and any accountability to him, while filling the void thus created with alternatives that become lesser “gods” that often exert as much influence – however negative – on our lives as God would. At times, there may be no conscious intent to exchange God’s influence on our daily activities with something else, occasionally the things that get in the way of our exclusive allegiance to him are good in and of themselves; they just don’t belong in competition with God. …  ( Click for more )